Martin Solveig, Ferry Corsten & Dirty Audio dish the dirt on Miami

The year is 2017. The month is March. This means one thing: We are going to Miami where the heat is on all night on the beach (and day!) There’s no better place to make memories (some foggier than others), and meet new people – if only for a quickie. Welcome to Miami!

FERRY CORSTEN

 

What are you up to at WMC and/or Ultra this year?
“I'll be playing at Ultra on Sunday with my special Gouryella show. There are lot of exciting things coming up this year for me. I’m releasing new remixes from my single ‘Live Forever’; working on the release of my Gouryella documentary and last, but not least, my artist album.”

Most memorable Miami experience ever?
“Miami is always a hectic and crazy experience for me. It’s like being in Vegas where there is something going on 24/7... I have too many memories that I normally forget the next day.” 

Tell us about your wildest night (from what you can remember) in Miami...
“Unfortunately, I can't remember. I do remember being woken up in a club by the promoter.”

Advice for first-timers heading to Miami... 
“Invest in a good hotel; take an Uber instead of a taxi; don’t forget your ear plugs.”

What’s your can’t miss restaurant in Miami?
“Prime Fish.”

Favorite nightclub in Miami and why?
“I’ll always love Space. It’s a great place and I have lots of memories from there.” 

Beverage (alcoholic and/or non) of choice when in Miami?
“Vodka pineapple.”

Describe the WMC experience in three words:
“Non-stop party.”

HELENA LEGEND

 

What are you up to at WMC and/or Ultra this year?
“I'll be in Miami playing guest spots at some of my friends’ parties. I decided not to do my own party this year. I did my own party there for a few years running, which was amazing, but also a lot of stress. I just want to enjoy Miami this year and have a party. I am currently on tour in the US on my Beauty and the Beard tour with Kennedy Jones, which has been crazy and lots of fun. This is going though until the end of March, and I have just dropped a new EP in two parts, so lots of new music out right now that I have been showcasing. I'll also have a new single out around the time of Miami Music Week.”

Most memorable Miami experience ever?
“It would of been Miami Music Week 2012 at Space Miami. It was the Size Records party. When we got there, they wouldn't let me friend in in shorts, so we had to buy some jeans from out the back of this dodgy dude's car, which only added to the night. I was there until 1pm the next day and danced for 12 hours straight to Steve Angello and then Pete Tong on the terrace with my best mates; it sticks out to me as the best time I have had in Miami. I was buzzing the whole night and the tunes were amazing.” 

Tell us about your wildest night (from what you can remember) in Miami...
“That would have to be in Club Eleven. I was there all night until midday the next day. We bought a VIP table on our credit cards and drank the bar dry all the main club heads were there and there were literally wads of cash flying all over the place and lots of naked girls. It was a seriously messy night. The check the next day wasn't too pretty either!”

Advice for first-timers heading to Miami...
“Try to pre-plan where you are going to go before you get there, as between the clubs and Ultra it can be a very expensive trip, so prioritize who you want to see the most. And don't forget the daytime pool parties - these are a vibe.” 

Your must-attend event at WMC 2017?
“I think it would be Ultra, just to experience it and to see so many DJs in one weekend.” 

What’s your can’t miss restaurant in Miami?
“I love A La Folie Cafe. It's this super cute French restaurant on Espanola Way, they do the best crepes (savory/ sweet), and the best French Onion soup ever. And the setting is really nice, worth checking out!” 

Favorite nightclub in Miami and why?
"I used to love Club Mansion, but it's now Icon I believe.”

Beverage (alcoholic and/or non) of choice when in Miami?
“I am a big Mojito fan. Refreshing and minty - the perfect Miami drink.”

Describe the WMC experience in three words:
“Sleep. When. Dead.”

KLINGANDE

What are you up to at WMC and/or Ultra this year?
“This year at WMC I’m focusing on the second edition of my Playground Pool Party at Delano on Sunday, March 26th. Regarding the tour, I want to select shows and festivals where I’ll play this year, to spend less time on the road and more in studio. Musically, I’m not in a rush to release. I want to release things I’m proud of, like I did with ‘Somewhere New’, so I spend a lot of time in studio, working on multiple songs and projects, but also exploring new vibes and production skills. It’s really refreshing to have more time for myself to focus really on the music and be able to prepare a lot of tracks. I hope I’ll be able to share more info around WMC; pretty happy with what is happening in my life at the moment.” 

Most memorable Miami experience ever?
“Last year, when I hosted my first Playground Pool Party at Delano. It was such an honor to host my own party, with talented artists from Autograf to Michael Calfan or Lost Frequencies, and an amazing crowd. Really gave me goosebumps!”

Tell us about your wildest night (from what you can remember) in Miami...
“I think it was my first time at LIV Miami. I don’t remember so much, but the look of my room in the morning was speaking for itself!” 

Advice for first-timers heading to Miami...
“Choose wisely where you’ll stay. You want to party, don't spend all your time in Ubers.” 

Your must-attend event at WMC 2017?
“Of course, Ultra festival is always the highlight, but from my point of view, WMC is the must attend event. Pool parties everywhere, all these talented artists playing all along the week - you want to attend and experience everything!”

Beverage (alcoholic and/or non) of choice when in Miami?
“Champagne is always my favorite, in Miami and everywhere else, but I would say a fresh mojito by the pool would be perfect in Miami!” 

Best pool in Miami?
“Definitely the pool at the Delano. I love the vibe over there, the people and the look of the pool. It’s not so big, it’s classy, and the sound and stage is amazing.” 

Describe the WMC experience in three words:
“Party. Music. Friends.”

MARTIN SOLVEIG

What are you up to at WMC and/or Ultra this year?
“I’m really happy to be back in Miami for Ultra, which is always a very special moment of the year. Lots of things have been going on for the past months: the release of my single ‘Places’ featuring Ina Wroldsen has been nothing but frantic. It has received a wide international support and I can say that playing it in festivals has already taken me to very emotional spheres. I’m spending quite a lot of time in the studio right now, it’s an introspective moment I love. Get ready for some new tunes soon!   

“I’m also really glad to see My House (my Pacha Ibiza Party which is held every Wednesday there) touring a lot! It’ll stop in Miami during WMC for a daytime party in collaboration with the Mambo Brothers (from Café Mambo Ibiza). It’s a great & different way to gather our My House artists all together. The party is also going to London on March 10th, and I’ll host a special MyHouse stage in Tomorrowland. Finally, I’ll be playing the first Lollapalooza festival in my hometown Paris!”

Most memorable Miami experience ever?
“The day when we shot the video for ‘The Night Out’ – Madeon, Porter Robinson, Dillon Francis were taking part in it, they were young kids on the block at that time. A-Trak, Laidback Luke and Sidney Samson were there too. We had so much fun! It would make a great line-up, don’t you think?” 

Tell us about your wildest night (from what you can remember) in Miami...
“There have been a lot but you don’t always remember them when you wake up.”

Advice for first-timers heading to Miami...
“You gotta stick to your plans, there’s so much to do that you could easily get lost in this whirlwind of parties and finally miss some shows you originally wanted to attend. No doubt it’ll be positively exhausting.” 

Your must-attend event at WMC 2017?
“Justice’s closing set!”

What’s your can’t miss restaurant in Miami?
"Mandoline, the Greek restaurant in Art District. Great vibes!”

Favorite nightclub in Miami and why?
“Story for sure! I'll do my first My House on American soil there on February 24th! So glad to share some Ibiza vibes and spirit.” 

Best pool in Miami?
“The Standard’s pool and its underwater stereo! 

Describe the WMC experience in three words:
“Wild. Massive. Crazy.”

DIRTY AUDIO

 

What are you up to at WMC and/or Ultra this year?
“I'll be out in Miami playing label parties and hanging out with a bunch of friends from all around the world. It's one of my favorite weeks of the year!” 

Tell us about your event/newest musical release/ news/ tour announcements in your own words
“On the music side I started off the year with an official remix for DJ Snake & Yellow Claw's 'Ocho Cinco'. I followed that up with my single 'Roller Coaster', which I’m really proud of. More remixes and originals are also on the way! On the live side, I’m just finishing up a North American bus tour with Deorro, then headed straight to Australia for two weeks for a headline tour. I'll be at WMC and a bunch of crazy festivals in the summer that I'm so excited to play!” 

Tell us about your wildest night (from what you can remember) in Miami...
“I played at Borgore's party and there was free Jagermeister, so I don't really remember most of the night. I also haven't drank Jagermeister ever since that. It was cool though because I played three shows that day.” 

Advice for first-timers heading to Miami...
“Almost everyone in the industry is in Miami for WMC, so you never know who you're going to run into. Pace yourself, have fun, be cool, and show people respect. Also take advantage of all the new unreleased music all the DJs will be playing and get inspired!” 

What’s your can’t miss restaurant in Miami?
“Chalan On The Beach is really good. Great Peruvian ceviche in Miami Beach. My manager is Peruvian so he got me addicted to that.” 

Best pool in Miami?
“My favorite pool in Miami is Fontainebleau, it's also one of my favorite hotels to stay at. Everything there always feels so high quality. The pool area connects to the beach so it's a cool vibe.”

FLORIAN PICASSO

What are you up to at WMC and/or Ultra this year?
“This year will be about showcasing a lot of new music and playing for my DJ friends! We are also working on my show concept and new visuals, which should be ready for Miami!” 

Tell us about your wildest night (from what you can remember) in Miami...
“It was my first time in Miami maybe five years ago, we met up with Firebeatz, Deniz Koyu and a few other friends and went out to Amnesia (that was the name of the Story club back then) and we just had so much fun. It was a night to remember! We were all here to hand out demos... time flies!”

Advice for first-timers heading to Miami...
“Have fun and stay hydrated.”

Your must-attend event at WMC 2017?
“Nicky Romero's Protocol party.”

What’s your can’t miss restaurant in Miami?
“Joe's Stone Crab is a must!”

Favorite nightclub in Miami and why?
“I love Wall because it's small and intimate.”  

Best pool in Miami? Why?
“W Hotel's pool because it's actually the only pool where you can really relax!”

Most memorable Miami experience ever?
“Going fishing.”

PLASTIK FUNK

What are you up to at WMC and/or Ultra this year? 
“I will be touring in Mexico and the USA right before WMC. Final tour stop will be Miami, and then WMC. Just love Miami!” 

Tell us about your event/newest musical release/ news/ tour announcements in your own words...
“After so many releases on Armada in 2016, we started 2017 with the release of the extended mix of ‘Sunrise’ with the amazing vocals of Katt Rose. The support and feedback on that release is just crazy... support from Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, David Guetta, Martin Garrix and many more just right after the release was unbelievable! 

“We have a lot of tracks ready to be released on Armada right before WMC. There are collaborations with our friends Inpetto from Germany and Sagan, as well as two solo tracks ready to rock the dancefloor. Touring-wise it's the busiest start of a year we ever had. With shows all over the world only in January, we can't complain. Also, we are super excited for February and March with tours in India, Asia, the UK, Moldova and then Mexico, and the USA with our last stop in Miami for WMC.”  

Tell us about your wildest night (from what you can remember) in Miami...
“Exactly... you just can’t remember the wildest nights in Miami. One I do remember was after playing at Bamboo, then we went to Space to check out the set of our friend Chris Liebling. After the sun came up, I went to sleep for some hours and almost missed my flight back to Germany. This never happens to me; I never missed a flight because it was my fault!”

Advice for first-timers heading to Miami...
“First-timers in Miami should understand, that even if parties are going on 24/7, you don't have to party 24/7. Enjoy the atmosphere, have a good time, inform yourself which club is having the music you like (you find everything in Miami), but also enjoy the beautiful beach, the awesome food and just everything which makes Miami so special.”

Your must-attend event at WMC 2017?
“One of the best events to talk business and at the same time have a party is always the event of our home label, Armada. Beside that, it's always great to attend the Sirius Radio events with special headliners whom you normally don’t see on a private stage. Also, the Spotify party at the National last year was great. The line-up was huge, almost looked like an Ultra line-up.”

Favorite nightclub in Miami and why?
“Miami has so many cool clubs so it's hard to choose one. For the night, it's definitely Story, LIV or Wall. For the deeper sounds in the morning its Heart or Space. To have a nice Sunday afternoon party, I would go to one of the pool parties or Nikki Beach.” 

SULTAN + SHEPARD 

What are you up to at WMC and/or Ultra this year?
“Last year we did a deeper set on the terrace at E11even, which was a great vibe, and we're probably going to do it again. Plus, we're going to guest at a couple big pool parties, but we can't announce it yet! We've got a new single coming out just before Miami with a special singer that we've worked with in the past, so we're excited to drop that tune right before WMC.” 

Most memorable Miami experience ever? 
“As a fan - seeing Roger Sanchez on the Space Terrace in 2004. He started at 4 or 5am and went till the mid-afternoon the next day. I think we must have left around noon, but it was one of the best sets we've ever seen. At the time, dance music in the US was still an alternative scene, so it was hard to see your favorite DJs really let loose in a great atmosphere. As a DJ, playing LIV for the first time with Nadia Ali - we did a special live performance there and it was really special. It was our first time playing at the club and we had heard so much about it, and it really blew us away.” 

Tell us about your wildest night (from what you can remember) in Miami...
“It involved the club E11even and a bottle of Jameson and a bottle of 1942. Let's leave it at that.”

Advice for first-timers heading to Miami...
“If you're going to big pool parties or club nights I would get there early. A lot of the time the fire marshals show up because there are too many people - even if you're on the list or have tickets sometimes you can't get in. Never hurts to be on the safe side.”

Your must-attend event at WMC 2017?
“That's a tough one. We love just cruising around and seeing what's happening. There's a few boat parties that look sick. The best thing about MMW is being able to do everything – Ultra, big clubs like LIV, small pool parties at the Shelbourne or wherever, and maybe a cool spot in Wynwood. We're always happy to be there.”

What’s your can’t miss restaurant in Miami?
“There's a lot of amazing places - Komodo, Scarpetta, Nobu, are all amazing. We also love this ceviche spot called Ceviche 105, which just opened a spot on the beach finally.” 

Beverage (alcoholic and/or non) of choice when in Miami?
Sultan: “IPA beer.”
Ned: “Don Julio 1942.”

Best pool in Miami? Why?
“For parties, the Surfcomber and Shelbourne are always good. For relaxing, any nice one without massive speakers feels like an oasis.”

Describe the WMC experience in three words:
“Overload. Friends. Music.”

BAKERMAT 

What are you up to at WMC and/or Ultra this year?
“I have a lot planned! WMC is a lot more about hanging out and partying than ADE, where it’s more about the business. So, I have a whole lot of gigs with befriended DJs planned and some pool parties. I’m gonna play a lot of my new productions, like ‘Baby’, that I just released and an upcoming collab with a big artist... The Miami crowd is a great test panel for new music so there couldn’t be a better place to try them out.” 

Most memorable Miami experience ever?
“I would say playing to a sold-out Nikki Beach and having people go mental to the set I played. I never thought my music would fit really well in Miami, but since then I know that it actually fits really well. Sun, pools, pretty ladies. My music is the perfect soundtrack!” 

Tell us about your wildest night (from what you can remember) in Miami... 
“Must be the very first time I went there for WMC. Me and my manager were so hyped up about playing Ultra that day. We released our stress afterwards by drinking. Lots of drinking. That resulted in a night I’ll never forget. Let’s just say we both got very lucky. Next morning, I walked into his room in my blanket, we were both hangover. My saxophonist made a picture of the moment, I’ve included it here! Miami is a great place to party.”

Your must-attend event at WMC 2017?
“Bakermat at LIV. I tend to really make a party when I play here.” 

What’s your can’t miss restaurant in Miami?
“Maybe a bit touristic but I just keep coming here because of the vibe and location, Hosteria Romana. It’s great food, nice wine and the waiters are always in a good mood. First restaurant I visit when I arrive in Miami.”

Favorite nightclub in Miami and why?
“LIV. I have some very good memories playing here. I love the room, sound system and general vibe.” 

Beverage (alcoholic and/or non) of choice when in Miami?
“When in Miami, I barely drink something without alcohol. My go to drink is the infamous Moscow mule. Refreshing and super tasty!”

Describe the WMC experience in three words:
“Cocktails. Music. Hangover.”

MICHAEL BRUN

What are you up to at WMC and/or Ultra this year?
“I’m really psyched for WMC this year because I’ll be throwing the very first Bayo Block Party in Little Haiti on Friday the 24th. It’s going to be a mixture of electronic music and Haitian influences so can’t wait for people to experience it.” 

Most memorable Miami experience ever?
“Playing out Rise with Dirty South at UMF 2012. It was my first time at a festival and I never imagined it would have the reception it did.”

Tell us about your wildest night (from what you can remember) in Miami...
“I got to spend my 21st birthday with Calvin Harris at Liv. He gave me a shout out during his set and that whole experience really gave me a lot of motivation to keep working hard on my own career.”

Advice for first-timers heading to Miami...
“Pick a few places that you’d really like to see or experience and stick to it. I think it’s really easy to get overwhelmed by all the options but moving between places means you miss out on the actual show!”

Best pool in Miami?
“I think SLS has one of the coolest setups. Every MMW show I’ve ever done there has always been super high energy and the layout let’s a lot of people see the stage clearly.”

Describe the WMC experience in three words:
“Tunes. Friends. Sun.”

Words by: DJ Mag USA Staff